The Best Daycare Centers in Lancing, TN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lancing. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lancing
Kiddie Academy of Oak Ridge
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Oak Ridge provides comprehensive educational childcare with a structured Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM learning. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with low student-teacher ratios. The academy emphasizes health and safety protocols, nutritious meal programs, and regular parent communication through digital updates. Serving families throughout Morgan and Anderson counties, including Lancing residents.
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The Goddard School of Oak Ridge
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Oak Ridge offers F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The school features secure facilities with coded entry, indoor gymnasium, and multiple playgrounds. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the curriculum includes STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and sign language. The school maintains rigorous safety standards and provides real-time updates to parents via mobile app. Many families commute from Lancing for their play-based learning approach and extended hours.
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Primrose School of West Knoxville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of West Knoxville delivers Balanced Learning® approach combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance from master's-level curriculum developers. The school features secure campuses with technology-enabled classrooms, commercial-grade kitchens providing balanced meals, and multiple age-appropriate playgrounds. All teachers receive extensive training in child development and safety protocols. The curriculum includes character development, literacy programs, and hands-on science activities. While located in Knoxville, the school serves families throughout the region including Lancing, with many parents commuting for their high-quality early education programs and exceptional safety record.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lancing, TN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lancing, TN, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Lancing, Tennessee, all childcare facilities caring for more than four unrelated children must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety training (including CPR and First Aid), facility safety, and nutritional guidelines. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the TDHS Child Care Agency Search tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database, as it shows the license status, any recent violations, and the facility's quality rating under the state's Star-Quality Child Care Program. Always ask to see a current license during your tour.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lancing, and are there financial assistance programs available locally?
In Lancing and the surrounding Morgan County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week, while toddler care may cost between $110 and $140 per week. These rates can vary based on the facility's amenities, star-quality rating, and whether it's a home-based or center-based program. For financial assistance, Tennessee offers the Child Care Certificate Program through the Department of Human Services, which provides subsidies to eligible low-income families. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's best to contact the Morgan County TDHS office for application details and to inquire directly with daycare centers about any private assistance options.
Are there many options for drop-in or part-time childcare in Lancing, or is full-time enrollment typically required?
Options for drop-in or part-time care in Lancing are limited compared to larger cities. Most licensed daycare centers in the area prioritize full-time enrollments to maintain stable staffing and revenue. However, some registered family home daycares may offer more flexible part-time schedules or occasional drop-in care based on availability. Your best strategy is to call providers directly to inquire about part-time slots. For more consistent part-time needs, such as 2-3 days a week, you may have better luck with in-home nannies or babysitters found through local community networks or online care platforms, though these are not state-regulated like licensed facilities.
What should I know about daycare waitlists in Lancing, and how far in advance should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare providers in a smaller community like Lancing, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and even earlier if you have an infant. Popular centers and highly-rated family homes often have waitlists that can extend several months. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, any fees to join the list, and how often they update families on their status. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists can increase your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
How does the outdoor and educational environment differ between daycare centers and home-based daycares in the Lancing area?
In Lancing, daycare centers often have dedicated, larger outdoor play areas with structured equipment like climbing sets and secure fencing. They typically follow a more formal curriculum aligned with early learning standards. Home-based daycares (registered family homes) usually offer a more intimate, home-like setting. Their outdoor space might be a backyard play area, and activities often blend more with daily home routines. The educational focus in homes can be equally rich but may be more flexible and play-based. Given Lancing's rural setting, some providers may incorporate nature-based activities. When touring, ask about daily schedules, outdoor time policies (especially in varied weather), and how they incorporate Tennessee's Early Learning Developmental Standards (TN-ELDS) into their program.